In a dazzling ceremony held in Monaco on Monday, Dutch long-distance runner Sifan Hassan and Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo were named Athletes of the Year by World Athletics, celebrating their golden performances at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Hassan, who also scooped the Out-of-Stadium award, captivated the world with her extraordinary versatility in Paris. Within just seven days, she clinched bronze medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events and delivered a stunning victory in the marathon, outpacing Ethiopia’s world record holder Tigist Assefa by a mere three seconds.
“I never thought I was going to win this one,” Hassan shared with a smile. “This year was crazy. It’s not only me. All the athletes have been amazing.”
Tebogo made history by becoming the first African to win Olympic gold in the men’s 200m, blazing through the finish line in 19.46 seconds and edging out American favorites Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles. He also took home the Men’s Track award.
“This means a lot,” Tebogo said emotionally. “There are so many fans out there who want us to achieve something great for the continent. It was a real surprise to hear my name because I didn’t expect this.”
The night also honored other stellar athletes. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis claimed the Men’s Field award after an undefeated season, during which he set a new world record of 6.26 meters. Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh won the Women’s Field award, having secured Olympic gold and breaking the high jump world record with a leap of 2.10 meters.
American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was recognized with the Women’s Track award after shattering her own world record in the 400m hurdles, clocking an astonishing 50.37 seconds. Ethiopia’s marathon champion Tamirat Tola received the Men’s Out-of-Stadium honor.
The Rising Star awards went to Ethiopian steeplechaser Sembo Almayew and Italian long jumper Mattia Furlani, heralding the next generation of athletic talent.
The event also paid tribute to the late Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record-holder and 2023 Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year, who tragically passed away in February.
Reference(s):
Olympic champions Hassan and Tebogo honored as Athletes of the Year
cgtn.com
